British Legislative Body Fails to Amend Marriage Laws As Favored by Liberal Temples

August 24, 1949

LONDON (Aug. 22)

The failure of a join legislative committee of the House of Lords and Commons to include a reform of the marriage laws to permit Liberal Jewish Congregations to solemnize marriage ceremonies independently of the Orthodox community has caused considerable disappointment in Jewish circles here.

The refusal of the Orthodox synagogues to grant autonomy in this matter to the Liberal synagogues and their officials resulted in a deep split in the Board of Deputies of British Jews some months ago. It was hoped that the joint commission would grant autonomy, thus permitting the healing of the breach in the Jewish community without forcing the Orthodox elements to backtrack. The joint committee, whose report was published here today, expressed the opinion that the matter should be handled separately by each House.